A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
Between 18 and 23 February 2017, Botswana was hit by the tropical depression, ex-Dineo which caused significant flooding across the country. Bridges collapsed, roads were closed, and some schools were closed as students could not access them and hospitals were also flooded. Gaborone Dam, the main water source in the capital city, was at high risk of overflowing, which posed a risk to those residing in flood plains adjacent to the river. The Department of Water Affairs indicated that water levels from rivers and dams had increased significantly. To exacerbate the impact of the depression, ex-Dineo hit Botswana at the height of the rainy season, which had already over-saturated the ground and raised the likelihood of significant overland flooding. Throughout the 2016/17 rainy season, Botswana recorded precipitation levels ranging between 110mm and 220mm.
According to National Disaster management Office (NDMO), by the end of February 650 households had been severely affected by flooding as a result of ex-Dineo. Over 500 houses were destroyed and infrastructure, telecommunication lines and livelihoods were disrupted in the affected districts. The situation resulted in moderate population displacement, which required the hosting of some 300 households in community halls, schools and churches. Water sources were also affected, which posed a further threat to the displaced. Destroyed latrines, stagnant water, and contaminated boreholes heightened the health risks as well as the risk of waterborne and communicable diseases The National Society conducted a detailed assessment in the affected communities and noted that the affected communities would not recover quickly from the impacts of the floods due the magnitude of the destruction especially with regards to shelter. The assessment also indicated that most of the affected victims were mainly low-income households which also affected their ability to recover quickly.
The BRCS launched a DREF worth CHF 82,958 in March 2017 with the main objective of providing immediate relief assistance to 2, 500 (500 households) people focusing on shelter, health, water, and sanitation and Hygiene promotion.
Currently the affected communities are still recovering from the impacts of the floods and the government is working toward reconstruction of the affected infrastructure.
Summary of response Overview of Host National Society
In response to the effects of cyclone Dineo, Botswana Red Cross participated in relief management in the affected districts. From the 5 districts that were affected, the National Society responded to 2 districts (Goodhope and Chobe) and the other remaining 3 districts were assisted by the government.
The total number of households assisted by the National society was 500 households (2,500 people).
The response activities included construction of emergency shelter, distribution of households items such as blankets, kitchen sets, mattresses/sleeping mats, jerry cans and hygiene packs. Other distributed materials included mosquito nets, water purification tablets. During the distribution awareness raising activities on how to prevent malaria and cholera were run concurrently. The BRCS volunteers together with local authorities worked closely with the affected communities to provide support in the recovery activities especially in re-building their shelter structures.
During the intervention time, Botswana Red Cross was able to;
• Train 20 volunteers on hygiene promotion and construction of shelter.
• Provide psycho-social support to the affected population at the evacuation camps.
• Distribute NFIs and other hygiene and sanitation items to 2, 500 people.
• Procure relief stocks and transporting them to the affected areas.
• Conduct hygiene promotions activities at household levels.
• Procure the protective clothing to be used by volunteers.
• Provide clean water to the affected communities.
• Provide water tanks to the affected communities.